Listen:
Psalm 42: 1-2, 4-8
Just like a deer that craves streams of water,
my whole being craves you, God.
My whole being thirsts for God, for the living God.
When will I come and see God’s face?
But I remember these things as I bare my soul:
how I made my way to the mighty one’s abode,[a]
to God’s own house,
with joyous shouts and thanksgiving songs—
a huge crowd celebrating the festival!
Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed?
Why are you so upset inside?
Hope in God!
Because I will again give him thanks,
my saving presence and my God.
My whole being is depressed.
That’s why I remember you
from the land of Jordan and Hermon,
from Mount Mizar.
Deep called to deep at the noise of your waterfalls;
all your massive waves surged over me.
By day the Lord commands his faithful love;
by night his song is with me—
a prayer to the God of my life.
Consider:
Many of us probably know the first two verses of this scripture from singing it… the deer in search of water, which is essential to life, is compared to how our very souls feel when searching for God’s presence in our lives, especially in those seasons of discouragement or loss or deep grief. This longing is not a sign of weakness, however, but in fact, it’s evidence that our hope is still alive. A thirsty soul is a hopeful soul!
In verses 4–8, the writer of this psalm struggles with the depths of grief, yet repeatedly reminds himself:
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Put your hope in God…”
Grief can feel overpowering. Sorrow has a way of building a narrative within our hearts that tells us we will never feel good again. The grip of those feelings can hold on tight. But practicing Hope as an active response can become just as powerful. Hope is not a fleeting emotion; it is an anchor—steady, firm, and holding us in place even when waves of life’s biggest struggles crash against us. An anchor doesn’t remove the storm; it holds you steady through it. Hope in God does the same. When our thoughts drift into fear, hope pulls us back. When sorrow rises, hope reminds us that we are never alone.
Respond:
Have you ever hoped for something so hard that nothing could stop you from dreaming, imagining, hoping for that thing (a gift as a child, a team win in college football, a trip to somewhere amazing)? Think back to how STRONGLY you held onto that hope, refusing to give it up because it meant something to you…what would it look like to put that level of gusto into the hope for the things unseen, unknown, and faith filled? Try a little gusto hoping today, see how you feel!
Pray:
Hopeful God, we are so grateful you do not grow weary…help us actively wait, even in our exhaustion, for that joy that is your presence in this world through Jesus. Amen.
